About Us

El Matador Martial Arts Academy is a family friendly training facility based in Brisbane. Take confidence in learning from our highly experienced coaches. El Matador is not just a gym, but a home for members of our community with a strong focus on individual and collective development. Our supportive and hard working team will assist in your progression all while showing you that your Martial Arts/Fitness journey can be fun.

We have classes specifically designed for children, adults, women only, and we welcome anyone of any fitness and experience level. Our passionate coaches have a wealth of knowledge and will aid in helping you achieve your personal goals. Our classes are structured for those who want to have fun while getting fit but also for those who want to take it more seriously and compete.

If you have particular fitness and training goals or need any advice, we’re here to help.

Free unrestricted on site and street parking available. Our premises is also conveniently located close to public transport. Private one on one training with any of our coaches is available at your request.

'Don't just join a gym, be a part of the Matador Family'

Meet the Team

Tony

Muay Thai Coach

Karate Coach

Krav Maga Coach

Boxing Coach

Kids Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach

Certified Personal Trainer

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Antonio (Tony), has over 30 years of Martial Arts Experience. He has competed in Point fighting Karate, Full
Contact Karate, Kick Boxing and Muay Thai also achieving Black Belts and equivalents in these
arts. He has been teaching Martial Arts and Combat Sports for over 20 years, his students have fought
in Amateur and Professional shows in Europe, Australia and Thailand
Currently Striking Coach at El Matador Martial Arts and at ICC Brisbane (Australian Defence
Force)

Katarina (Kat) is a Martial Arts trainer, competitor and enthusiast; predominately in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Founder of KickFit Haven, Katarina wanted to create a safe space for all women to train; free from the judgement and intimidation of other commercial establishments. From the feedback collected over time; from coaches and trainers alike, Kat wanted to implement a fitness program that was exclusively designed for women; by applying the skills and practice she had adapted over the years. From childhood experience in Sikaran, Taekwondo and Kickboxing, to the more focused Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training as an adult.

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Kat has been training under Tony Cabrera of El Matador Martial Arts since early 2012. In late 2017 Kat came away with two Gold Medals at her first ever BJJ tournament, gained one Silver and one Bronze Medal at her last BJJ tournament and also competes in amateur Muay Thai fight shows and remains undefeated. She recently came back from training in Thailand; to challenge herself while expanding her knowledge and experience in the art of eight limbs.

Kat believes in innovation, effective practice and enjoys the challenges that learning and teaching delivers. She has her friends and clients best interest at heart and is continuously bettering herself as a Martial Artist to positively effect those she can inspire.

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Aside from training Martial Arts, Kat lives an active lifestyle with the beach being a regular destination and she is also an avid traveler. She enjoys being amongst nature, playing music and spending time with her fluffy Nephew-dog; Merlin.

Kayne has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2015 and received his purple belt in 2019. He has been an active competitor since starting BJJ and has collected numerous podium finishes as well as Queensland and National titles throughout the ranks.

He brings an enthusiastic approach to training and has a wealth of competition experience to draw from.